START HOMESCHOOLING:
A TEN-STEP PLAN

STEP ONE...

Know the law in your state and take care of necessary paperwork. Don’t depend only on a copy of the law from a web site or from the state — be sure to talk to a knowledgeable homeschool leader in your state. They can often provide better information or options for you.

STEP TWO...

Find a support group in your area. Check here for groups listed on the web, but also ask your local library if they know of any groups, and/or call around to local churches to see if they know of any.

Why a support group? Even if you choose not to get involved, it will be a valuable contact and resource for information about events, testing, curriculum, etc. If the group in your area has a newsletter, you’ll want to subscribe.

STEP THREE...

Make a list of the subjects you plan to teach (consider a separate piece of paper for each subject, so you’ll have room for notes). Make a page for “Basic Library” (reference books and materials you’ll want on hand).

Subjects to consider (find out which ones are required in your state – step one): Reading, Math, Science, History/Social Studies, Language Arts (writing, grammar, etc.), Geography, Literature, Health, Foreign language, Home economics, etc. Basic Library possibilities: dictionary, thesaurus, almanac, maps, globe, Write Source 2000 (great for grammar, writing, etc.), The Patriot’s Handbook by George Grant (contains Constitution, other documents, speeches, poems, presidential biographies, much more).

STEP FOUR...

Research curriculum and materials and explore teaching methods. Places other than the internet to find materials: local used bookstores (most used bookstores carry used curriculum – try to find books with teachers’ guides). Some Christian bookstores carry homeschool books & curriculum. School supply stores carry some curriculum as well as lots of workbooks, maps & other supplements. For science and history, you can find a lot of good books at the library (kids learn a lot, even more, from real books in these subjects, rather than textbooks, though for high school, you’ll want a decent textbook for science). Talk to other homeschoolers about their favorite materials.

Under each subject, list materials you’ve found that look interesting, as well as notes that will help you make a decision. Under Math, you might list two or three different textbooks, as well as manipulatives or other supplemental materials you’ve found. Under Reading, you might want to list a phonics program as well as series or titles of books that look fun or interesting for practice or for reading aloud to your children. Under geography, you might list a geography program or book and/or things like globes, maps and atlases.

Note: As indicated above, you may not choose formal curriculum for every subject. Children in younger and middle grades often benefit much more from real books for history and science. Language arts can be covered by way of lots of writing, story-telling, reading, etc. Literature, geography and health can also be covered with materials other than traditional textbooks. If you have doubts about covering all the bases but would still like to pursue a non-textbook course, use a textbook as a guide. We do recommend a textbook-based approach to math in all grades and science in the upper grades. For the upper grades, a history textbook can provide an overview of the basics, especially if your children aren’t history buffs or avid readers.

STEP FIVE...

Whittle your list down until you’ve decided exactly what you want to use. Once you make your decision, use textbooks as the publisher suggests for best results. As you gain experience, you may want to make adjustments that better suit your individual children. Use other materials faithfully.

STEP SIX...

Decide if you’ll need help with a subject and figure out how you’ll find it.

For instance, if you feel you’ll need help with math, think about all the people you know who might be qualified: do you have relatives, friends, or fellow church members who know the subject? Does your local homeschool group have classes or a co-op or tutors? If money is an issue, consider ways you might trade for tutoring help: Can you cook, clean or do some sort of paperwork in exchange for tutoring? How about yard work, washing cars, or babysitting? Keep in mind that you may not need a full-time tutor; occasional help may do the trick.

STEP SEVEN...

Set up a schedule.

Decide how your homeschool day will look. You may have to make adjustments as you go, but it’s better to start out with a plan.

STEP EIGHT...

Decide where your schooling materials will be kept.

Nothing is more frustrating than spending the first hour of each day looking for the reading or math book or trying to find writing instruments. Consider a big plastic bin for each child, as well as one for yourself. All materials get returned to it as soon as they’re done being used. Even if the bins are messy inside, at least they’re easier to search through than the whole house.

STEP NINE...

Know thyself, know thy children. Be honest about what stresses both you and your children and avoid or deal with those things. For instance, if you have a child who is not a morning person, find a way to let him ease into the day (start with an easy subject or a leisurely breakfast or play soothing music – whatever works). How about you? Are you stressed by a messy house or a certain subject? Arrange your day and your activities to minimize stress.

STEP TEN...

Enjoy yourselves! Learning and sharpening your intellect is a challenge, but it’s a fun challenge. Incorporate educational games and videos into your plan, Spend time talking with each other about the things you read and about life. Explore your community. Read to one another. Remember, your goal is to build your children up, prepare them for all aspects of life – work and relationships. Education without love is a sad experience for a child. Love your children, love teaching them, love living with them. If things get tough, stop to reconnect with one another, then get on with school. Expect good things. Know that you’ll run into some snags, because homeschooling is part of life, which doesn’t always operate like a well-oiled machine. Take the snags in stride – work at them until they become untangled – patiently and persistently. Above all, never give up! Your children will love you for the chance you give them to learn in a healthy, safe and free environment.